A Step-By-Step Guide To ADHD Medication For Adults UK

ADHD Medication For Adults UK

According to NHS statistics, the number of adults who take ADHD medication has doubled in the last few years. This is only a small proportion of people who are diagnosed with the disorder.

Stimulants speed up brain activity by boosting levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, which transmit messages between nerves.  adhd medication names  boost blood flow to the brain cells.

Stimulants

If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you might need to take medication. This is typically the first line of treatment here in the UK, though talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also highly recommended. Talk therapy helps you and your family make sense of your behaviours and issues, as well as helping you develop healthy strategies for coping.

Stimulants alter the amount of neurotransmitters that transmit messages between brain nerves including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. The NHS offers a range of stimulant medications, but the most popular are methylphenidate and the newest amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine. These medications are fast-acting and typically take 45 to 60 minutes to begin working.

These drugs have been in use for many years and are extremely efficient, however there are some people who aren't well-reacted to them. Some people might experience more symptoms of insomnia or agitation. This is why it is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP and select a treatment that works for your needs.

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD drugs that function in various ways and have less harmful side effects. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them and works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which relays messages between nerves. These are used if stimulants haven't worked or are intolerable. They can also be prescribed  off label' if they are believed to be helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms in certain people, like those with comorbid depression and anxiety.

If your GP decides to take medication, they will go over the advantages and disadvantages of using it for a prolonged period of time with you. They will also discuss the best way to use the medication and will need to monitor your progress and dosage. This means you'll have to schedule fortnightly and monthly appointments with your psychiatrist.

Nice's newest guide for adults with ADHD suggests medication as the most popular treatment. There are also psychosocial therapies that can help you and your family members cope with your ADHD symptoms, but they aren't typically provided by the NHS unless you are receiving them as part of an assessment and management package.

It's important to keep in mind that there's no cure for ADHD but the right medication can help manage your symptoms and help you to function in a world which isn't designed to accommodate neurodiversity. It's your choice to choose ADHD medication and your doctor isn't obligated in any way. Many people opt to pursue therapy instead and find that it's enough to treat their ADHD symptoms. However, if you do decide to take medication, this should be under the guidance of a specialist psychiatrist who understands the advantages and risks involved. The psychiatrist can assist you and your loved ones develop strategies to cope to help you manage any lingering symptom and prevent future problems.